Section 11 Giving and Receiving Feedback Introduction

Positive Delivery of Feedback 
• 
Supportive: Delivered in a non-threatening and encouraging
manner.
• 
Direct:
The focus of the feedback is clearly stated.
• 
Sensitive: Delivered with sensitivity to the needs of the 
other person.
• 
Considerate: Feedback is intended not to insult or demean. 
• 
Descriptive: Focuses on behaviour that can be changed,
rather than personality. 
• 
Specific: Feedback is focused on specific behaviours or 
events. 
• 
Good timing: Given as close to the prompting event as
possible and at an opportune time.
• 
Thoughtful: Well considered rather than impulsive.
• 
Helpful: 
Feedback is intended to be of value to the
other person.
Negative Ways of Receiving Feedback 
• 
Defensive: Defends personal actions, frequently objects 
to feedback given.
• 
Attacking: Verbally attacks the feedback giver, and turns 
the table.
• 
Denies:
Refutes the accuracy or fairness of the
feedback. 
• 
Disrespectful: Devalues the speaker, what the speaker is
saying, or the speaker's right to give
feedback. 
• 
Closed:
Ignores the feedback, listening blankly
without interest.
• 
Inactive listening: Makes no attempt to ‘hear’ or
understand the meaning of the feedback.
• 
Rationalizing: Finds explanations for the feedback
that dissolve any personal responsibility.
• 
Patronizing: Listens, but shows little interest.
• 
Superficial: Listens and agrees, but gives the impression
that the feedback will have little effect.

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